Ok, I FINALLY did it, I'm UNDER 200 lbs! I weighed in today at 199.5! While that may seem high for some folks, it's one heck of a victory for me. In addition, my size 16 jeans are getting a little loose on me. So, I tried a size 14 today and they fit. They're a little snug, but definately fit! I think I'll wait a couple of weeks before completely transitioning into 14's...I also lost a half of an inch here and there. For so many years now, I've wanted an ankle bracelet but couldn't find one to fit my fat ankle. But I promised myself if I ever made it below 200 lbs, I'd buy myself one as a reward. My boyfriend told me tonight that he's going to buy it for me because this is a monumental milestone; he wants to purchase a real gold one. The next milestone for me is 180 lbs. When I reach that milestone, I'm gonna buy me some bib-overalls! That's another thing I've always wanted!

I was wearing a size 12 in ring when I was really heavy. Tonight, while at Walmart, I had my finger measured. I expected to be down to a size 10. Imagine my shock when I found out that I wear size 8.5!!! You could have knocked me over with a feather. I love rings but rarely could find one to fit my finger. I was embarrased so many times when I was in stores and attempted to try them on. The lady at the store said they come into the store in size 7. They can be adjusted up to 2 sizes. I thought to myself, "Lisa, you're going to Hawaii in August. When you get back, I bet you'll be small enough that you'll be able to wear a ring straight from the store without having it up-sized!" I sure hope so!

Things with my new job have been good. All I've really done is attend meetings and training. I should be released to my work site by mid-week next week. I love the benefits from the state. The health insurance plan is nice and they have college tuition reimbursement (among other things). Therefore, I feel truly blessed to have been considered for this job. God is certainly shining on me.

I went to see a lawyer Wednesday and got the paperwork for a dissolution. I am filing within the next couple of weeks after all the necessary paperwork is gathered. My feeling is, good riddence! I am so glad that particular part of my life is over and that I've moved on to a better life with a man who has, thus far, treated my children and I wonderfully.

My son and daughter are thriving in such a positive atmosphere and my step-son gets to visit with me at least twice a week (he still calls me MOM; his biological mother abandoned him when he was an infant). But, he will be 17 years old next month. He'll graduate next year and plans to go into the Air Force. Isn't it amazing how fast our children grow?! It seems like my two sons (the other will be 18 next month) were knee-high to a grasshopper last week. Now they're towering over me and shaving! Where does time go?

Well enough babbling about all that stuff. Today I ate a cereal bar for breakfast; stirfry from Bob Evans for lunch, lots of water and tea throughout the day, 1/2 of a steak, 1/2 baked potato with healthy butter, and a nice salad for dinner. I'll probably have low-carb (Lecarb) Ice cream for a snack at some point tonight.

Love Ya'll! Thanks SO MUCH for your supportive comments and encouragement fellow DD! I don't know what I would do without you. You all know that every ounce is so precious! I love to share my victories with others who know just how special they really are!

Hugs!

Lisa

kanga on 03/27/2004:
Congratulations on your sucess! and all the success that is to come!

Well this was the first week of my new job. All we did was training, training, and more training. Therefore, I haven't actually been working my "actual" job yet. But I don't care. It was a Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30 thing and I loved it. I knew exactly when I'd be getting off work and when I could pick the kids up! It was great! After working three part-time jobs and a practicum for all this time, it feels good to have a routine!

Ok, yesterday at work I stepped on the scales (clothes and all) and the scales said 201.5 (fully dressed). These are not the scales I normally weigh on and usually I don't record my weight wearing all of those clothes. So, this weekend I am going to the college locker room (which is where I normally weigh) and I'm going to check my weight.

Hopefully I will be UNDER 200! If so, I'm going to be thrilled. I haven't had time to take my measurement yet either. I will try to catch all of that up this weekend.

Good luck to everyone today; hope you have a great food day, exercise day, and just an awesome day in general!

Hugs!

Lisa

kanga on 03/26/2004:
I'm glad youa re still happy with the new work and good luck when you go to weigh burt I'm sure luck isn't apart of the equation!

abby dabby on 03/26/2004:
I ma sure you'll be under 200, which will be a great feeling for you! Congrats!

feeleebubs on 03/26/2004:
Ooo! You look like your going to beat me to the under 200 mark. Congratulations! You must be beside yourself after all you weight loss. It's so wonderful that you like your new job. I was hoping you would.

pinkuspettuty on 03/26/2004:
Congratulations on your new job. I work in mental health too. I am a social worker. I will cross my fingers for ou that the scale comes in under 200. Pam

geevee on 03/26/2004:
You're SO brave to get on the scales with all those clothes! You KNOW you have a good loss!

The funniest memory I have of weighing in was when I belonged to a diet club. Here were all these gals in underwear weighing in!

No chance to weigh today, I'll wait until this weekend. I began training for my new job today. It's so nice having ONE job instead of THREE part-time jobs! Now I'm on a regular Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30 schedule. I only have to work one weekend about every 5-6 weeks. Until now, I was getting up at 3:30 in the morning on Saturdays and Sundays.

Now that I have a regular schedule, I plan on getting to the gym at least twice a week. I can't wait to get into that type of routine. It's what I've needed for a long time.

Wish me luck on the new job! I hope everyone had a great day!

Hugs!

Lisa

kanga on 03/22/2004:
I do I wish you luck on the new job and on all the new things in this new part of your life!

feeleebubs on 03/22/2004:
Best of luck to you! I really hope you like your new position. Waking up at 3:30 is a killer...espeacially when it's not your only job. i bet you can't wait to start enjoying a manigable lifestyle.

Well guys, yesterday was beautiful here (Ohio) but today it's cold and spitting snow. I am so ready for spring to REALLY show itself. I woke up this morning feeling depressed, fighting off the urge to cry.

There have been so many challenges throughout the past year or so. First, I found out that my husband had been cheating on me (again). This really crushed me and this time, I couldn't get past it and pretend that everything was all right. So we called it quits. We agreed to be friends (for the kid's sake) and that we would work together to be effective parents.

I tried everything I could to be nice to this man and put my anger and hurt behind me. He met my kindness with coldness and indifference. We both moved on and met new people and all along the way it seems he's done nothing but try to figure out new ways to screw me and our kids over; it really hurts.

He was in the military for 23 years. During that time, we were together 15 of those years. Throughout his career, I worked like a dog at various crap jobs and could never get promoted or any degree of seniority because we kept moving. He stayed gone for months on end throughout those years. While he was away drinking, screwing around, and having fun...I was at home holding things together, taking care of kids, working, cleaning, cooking, trying to make the ends meet, and dreaming of the day when we'd be settled somewhere and I could get my education and have a job that didn't work me like a dog for minimum wage.

He promised me if I stood beside him that he would give me a percentage of his military retirement to use to pay for college. Well, I did stand beside the cheating creep and finally, he retired. Now, he decided that I should not have any of his retirement to continue my education. Instead, he and his new girlfriend should enjoy that money.

Don't get me wrong...I am not desperate for money. I just got a new job that pays well (with benefits). My boyfriend is a psychologist, lawyer, college professor, and forensic expert. He makes seriously good money and is willing to help me in any way I need.

But it's just the principle of standing beside someone who treated me that way, each time promising to change. Then telling me that all of the sacrifices I made throughout those years would be rewarded with his someday assisting me in paying for higher education. Now, another woman (once again) is in the picture and those promises he made me were just as good as the other ones he spoke!

It is amazing to me how much faith I've put into this man! I have an appointment Wednesday with an attorney. I'm filing for divorce and I'm thinking that it's time for me to stop being nice for the "sake of the kids" and go for the frikken juggler vein!

Sorry to whine!

Needed to vent!

Lisa

newfbabe on 03/21/2004:
Good luck and good ridence. You don't need IS problems anymore. You sound like you've got a good head on your shoulders. Time he felt the some of the pain that you have gone through all this time. I feel real bad for the children but they do grow up fast and time is a great healer. And the love of a wonderful mother goes a long way. Take him for everything you can and consider it back pay for the years of service you put into the marriage. Hold your head up and be strong because your a wonderful person whom he didn't deserve.

geevee on 03/21/2004:
I sure can relate to what you're going through. You're handling it very well. A good lawyer will get you what you are due.

feeleebubs on 03/21/2004:
I think you should really nail him in this divorce. You have been through alot and you deserve something for it. You sound like things are really getting better for you though. I wish you the best with everything, your divorce, your job, your weight loss, and your new relationship.

kanga on 03/21/2004:
Wow I had no idea you were/are going through so many things. I don't know why it is we hurt people we promised to love in such devastating ways.I'll be remembering you and the decisions you need to make in my prayers, and trust God will show you what to do.

BellaK on 03/21/2004:
I am so sorry about the situation with ur husband. I am sure that a lawyer will tell you that you have rights to his retirement (alimony) or a lump sum "settlement" amount, which will be calculated taken into consideration the years you guys were together. I know that the $ doesn't address the emotional turmoil but it will help you feel less "taken advantage of" from him. It seems like you've improved with ur new boyfriend too! You go! :) Take care, Bella

inmorning on 03/21/2004:
I am divorced and the second biggest mistake I ever made was being nice during the divorce. The first was ever dating the guy. It is a good thing you waited to get the divorce so you can find out what kind of man he is. I got my divorce quickly and was too nice. I have been met with nothing but crap and frustration. So go for that juggular vein, just keep the kids out of as much as possible, of course. Sorry to rant but it is a touchy subject for me, especially right now, when my oldest daughter went to live with the lying cheating, drug dealing SOB.

Well today I have my last class of the quarter. I have a presentation, a role-play, and have to turn in paperwork. After that, I am finished and can FINALLY relax (at least for the weekend). I start my new job Monday; I am a little nervous but I have a feeling things just might work out. I was tired of working three part-time jobs, going to school, and doing an internship. Now, I will only be working ONE full-time job (thank God)! I will only have to work one weekend every five to six weeks with this new job. I can finally enjoy some weekends with my family and do some traveling!

I feel really good this morning. I am comfortably wearing a size 16 in jeans (yes!!!!!!!!!) and am looking forward to losing that next 3 lbs so that I can be under 200 lbs. Things are really looking up for me. I am seriously going to celebrate when I get under the 200 lb mark!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

God Bless!

Lisa

kanga on 03/19/2004:
Congr4atulations on your last day! Congratulations on your new work ahead of you! Congratulations on your 16 jeans! But most of all Congratulations on all your hard work, determination, and faithfulness! Have a great weekend!

feeleebubs on 03/19/2004:
You sound like you're doing great! I just can''t believe how much weight you've lost. You take care and I hope you enjoy you're new job!...and you new body :D

superstarr on 03/19/2004:
Congrats on the new job and the smaller jeans!! That is great!! Keep up all the hard work. You'll be in the 100's in no time!

Well I weighed today and I'm down another 2 lbs! Yeah!!!!!!!!! That's a grand total of 124.5 lbs lost! I am soooooooo close to getting under that 200 lb mark. I went out today and replaced my size 18 jeans with size 16's. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! It feels soooooooo good! Not much is going to ruin this day for me! I hope everyone had a great day! Thanks for all of the encouragement and support!

Toodles!

Lisa

Soon2BThin on 03/18/2004:
Hey, you're doing great! You're just melting away, LOL. I'm getting excited about that 200 mark. You can do it!

I've done really good today with my diet. I didn't overeat, what I did eat was sensible meals and I didn't snack much. I think I'm definately back on track. Coming here and reading some of your entries keeps me so motivated. It's great to encourage one another, celebrate victories together and solicit advice.

For now, my goal is to get UNDER the 200 lb mark. I start my new job Monday. I was working 3 part-time jobs, going to college, and completing a practicum. As of Monday, I'll be working ONE job, taking a quarter off from school and my practicum will be finished. Therefore, I'll have more time to devote to going to the gym. I am actually looking forward to getting into an exercise routine.

Yes, I've lost a lot of weight (122.5 lbs). However, I have done little exercise and as a result, I have lots of extra skin and my body is becoming flabby. Therefore, as soon as I start this new job I'm going to begin establishing an exercise routine. I'm going to start out slow initially and build up a little at a time. Wish me luck!

Happy St. Patty's Day DD's!

God Bless!

Lisa

inmorning on 03/18/2004:
I meant to tell you not to worry about offending me. I wasn't, I was more afraid of offending you. Anyway, way to go. annastasia

Well the menstrual bloating has went away and I took my measurements today. The only thing that has changed is that I lost another inch in the hips; but hey, every little bit helps. I also was very excited this morning when I tried on size 16 jeans and they fit perfectly! I tried them on last week but I was so bloated--they were too tight. It's always such a victory to get down another size in jeans, dresses, skirts, etc.

I'm feeling really upbeat about the weight I've lost and seeing another 3 lbs loss this week motivated me to try harder than ever. I want so badly to break that 200 lbs barrier. Then I'll seriously feel a sense of accomplishment.

I've lost 122.5 pounds. My long-term goal is to lose about 35 more. But for now, my short-term goal is to get UNDER the 200 lb mark. Wish me luck; it seriously means a lot to me.

Have a wonderful day Diet Dieters!

God Bless!

Lisa

newfbabe on 03/16/2004:
You have done so wonderful. You give me lots of hope. WOW !!!! 122.5lbs For anyone who has always been slim I know they can't imagine it. For those of us who are in the same boat, well, we feel VERY proud of you. I can't remember when I ever fit into a size 16... hmmmmm .... nope can't remember. Hopefully soon ... LOL .... Keep it up.

squiggly on 03/16/2004:
Wow you have lost a lot already. You are doing really well. You will reach 199 before you know it. Keep up the good work!

kanga on 03/16/2004:
You are doing so well keep up the good work and enjoy the journey!

geevee on 03/16/2004:
What a loss! CONGRATULATIONS! That 200 barrier is just around the corner. It won't be long at all, and the next 35 lbs. will be a breeze!

curlsncuffs on 03/17/2004:
Toot-toot, your horn! Way to Go! Congrats to you! You are doing GRRRR-eat! Keep up the good work! You said you have 35 more to lose! (so do I) But, don't look at it like that - but, like this "we have one pound to lose and then another and another and another".......... Have a great day!

Well I came to work early this morning solely for the purpose of weighing before starting work. My period is over, the bloating is gone away and I was thrilled to see that I'd dropped 3 more lbs!!! I am closer to that 200 lbs mark than ever! I'm so excited! I have not been under 200 lbs since I was a young teenager; I will probably cry like a blubbering idiot when those scales finally say 199 lbs! Thanks for all of the encouraging comments folks. This website has been such a wonderful source of support and encouragement for me. For the past three years I've struggled, cried, seen victories and sufferered set-backs. You all have been there to encourage me all the way. I appreciate it so much. I still have many more pounds to go to get to my goal and then, once there, I have to work hard to maintain that weight. So I'll be around here for a long time. I just wanted to let you all know that I seriously appreciate the empathy, support, encouragement, and advice that you've offered (hugs)!

God Bless!

Lisa

kanga on 03/15/2004:
Congratulations Lisa, you deserve the credit you made all those right choices,time after time!

inmorning on 03/15/2004:
I am just curious because I am wanting to get a gastric bypass. Did you have a medical reason or how did you come up with the $$$ for a GI bypass? I heard the diet that was required afterward was really hard. Please some info from someone that has been there. Thanks annastasia

pastagal on 03/15/2004:
Congrats on your weight loss,,i see you have had gastric bypass surgery,,i have a neice who had it a yr ago,,she has lost 145 lbs in one yr and she looks so good,,she has had great results from it and not one problem,,she has lupus and had to do something to get the weight off and tho i know it isn't for everyone,,i think one must do what they must for their health and well being,,so congrats and looks like your doing super:}

inmorning on 03/15/2004:
Please don't mistake anything that I said, I didn't mean to imply that you got the surgery for cosmetic reasons.

Soon2BThin on 03/15/2004:
Congratulations!! You're doing it, you're doing it! Not long now til you reach that 199. I'm so happy for you. Stay strong and keep up the good work.

newfbabe on 03/15/2004:
You've been doing great. Your so close to your goal. I wish I was where you are now. I am so excited for you. Keep up the good work.

Went to the gym this morning to weigh (dumb choice since I'm still on my menstrual cycle). The scale showed a 1.5 lb gain; chances are that's water weight because I've seriously been watching what I'm eating lately. I'll wait for a week and then try to weigh again. I have been trying so hard lately to lose another pound or two; it's depressing to see the scales go up...but again, I know it's most likely due to my period.

I went shopping last week for some new clothes and it felt so great being able to just walk into stores, see something I like and be able to find it in my size! I've never been able to do that in my whole adult life. I've always had to shop at specialty stores like Lane Bryant or Catherine's.

I found a beautiful suede skirt at A.J. Wright's for $4.00 (on clearence of course). But the size was 14; can you believe it?!! I wear 16/18 in jeans now and anywhere between 14/18 in skirts. I went to Target last night and bought a new bathing suit (size 18) and I was just so excited. My previous bathing suit was a 3X.

I am still so amazed when people look at me and tell me how "skinny" I am. I never thought anyone would use that adjective while talking about me (lol). I'm determined to stay on track and get down under 200 lbs!

My goal is to fit into size 14 jeans...that's still several sizes away. But, I know if I work hard enough, I'll make it!!!

God Bless!

Lisa

geevee on 03/11/2004:
What a wonderful feeling that must be to be able to buy clothes in a regular store! Now you'll be able to take advantage of all those super sale prices too.

squiggly on 03/11/2004:
You are doing fantastic. It sounds like you have got everything under control. Size 14 isn't that far away. You are already there in skirts so jeans won't be far away. Keep plugging away and you'll get there in no time at all. Keep up the good work.

curlsncuffs on 03/11/2004:
Congrats on your weight loss! Woo,hoo! Terrific, way to go! How long has it been? Any problems - my friends sister had it done a year ago and she looks awesome!

malh on 03/11/2004:
I'm so excited for you...I know that feeling...when you go into a store and don't have to go into the plus-size stores. I almost feel like someone will tap me on the shoulder and say...ummmm ma'am you don't belong here..lol. You will make that 200 pound mark and I'm following right behind you...Mary